When Jennifer Huestis and Bob Tucker met at the Yale School of Architecture in 1986, they had no idea they were laying the foundation for a partnership that would span both marriage and a thriving architectural practice. After earning their master's degrees in 1989 and gaining experience at other firms, the couple founded Huestis Tucker Architects in 1998.
Nearly three decades later, Huestis Tucker has built a reputation for thoughtful design that emphasizes transformation over trends. While their main work area centers on Fairfield County, they've completed residential and commercial projects throughout Connecticut and beyond. One of their latest projects brings them back to Milford—where they've completed several renovations and new homes—to design the renovation of the Garden Center on North Street.
Their approach is decidedly hands-on. Jennifer and Bob personally oversee each project, maintaining direct communication with clients and builders from initial concept through final construction. "What brings me the most satisfaction isn’t the scale of the project, but its transformative potential,” Jennifer says. "Take a house that doesn’t work well and really make it a nice place to live."
After working with countless clients, Jennifer and Bob have distilled their wisdom into ten essential guidelines for homeowners embarking on a renovation project:
1. Choose timeless over trending
Trends come and go faster than you can renovate. "We've been doing this a long time,” Bob says. "The trendier something is, the shorter-lived its aesthetic life is."
Jennifer and Bob recently experienced validation of this philosophy when a realtor praised their Cape house kitchen as looking brand new. "I said actually, it's almost 20 years old," Jennifer recalls.
The solution? "Go by what moves you and what you really love," Bob advises. "If you love it now, you will probably love it in 10 or 20 years."
And if you have a soft spot for trends, Jennifer recommends smaller, less expensive changes – like trending paint colors – to incorporate novelty into your home.
2. Choose flexible spaces over singularly designed rooms
Years ago, a client wanted a new house with separate living room, family room, TV room, music room, and library. When the price came back astronomical, they conceded: "I guess we could combine some of these activities in one room.”
"People, particularly with kids at a certain age, are really focused on what their kids need at that age," Jennifer explains. "Sometimes by the time the project is done, their kids will have already outgrown that space." Today's playroom becomes tomorrow's homework area, then a teen hangout. Flexible spaces that adapt will serve you far longer.
3. Quality over quickness, and prices never go down
These principles work in tandem. Yes, it's hard to spend extra money or wait for the right materials, but you're building something that should last a hundred years. "Another couple weeks to wait for the right windows is worth it," Bob says.
But don’t put your project on hold hoping prices will drop. "Prices never go down," Jennifer notes. Even the wealthiest clients still have a budget, and good design and quality materials cost what they cost.
4. Don't rush into a project because you think you have a bargain
When homeowners shop around and find someone willing to do work for significantly less, it's tempting to jump. "It’s rarely a real bargain," Bob warns. "It's usually fraught with missing things that will need attention – and more money – later."
5. Nothing is truly “maintenance-free”
“Everything requires some form of maintenance,” Bob says. “Even something like PVC siding still needs to be pressure washed.” Jennifer and Bob emphasize that, over time, all materials weather: wood moves, creating cracks that need caulking and fresh paint. Buildings require care, and products marketed as “maintenance-free” often lead to neglect of necessary upkeep.
6. In the long term, quality natural materials are the best choice
This point addresses both environmental concerns and longevity. Natural materials, when properly maintained, outlast synthetic alternatives and age more gracefully.
For example, while luxury vinyl plank (LVP) may seem appealing for low maintenance and affordability, Jennifer and Bob recommend investing in hardwood flooring instead. "Natural wood has a warmth and quality that really makes a home feel special," Jennifer explains. "It's better for the environment and will look beautiful for decades." Hardwood can be refinished multiple times, making it a smart long-term investment.
7. Drawings are an upfront cost that saves in the long run
"Most misunderstandings arise because the homeowner imagines things to be one way, the architect another way, the builder a third way," Bob explains. "Drawings are a means of communication to keep everyone on the same page. And 3D modeling of the project helps you really know what it is going to look and feel like."
The more complete the drawings, the fewer questions arise during construction. "You spend money on the drawings to figure it out," Jennifer says. "If you don't, and something has to be changed during construction, it's a lot more expensive to fix."
8. Experience is not cheap, but it's usually worth it
"This refers to us somewhat," Bob admits with a laugh. But the principle extends to contractors, tile installers, carpenters, and other tradespeople. "The best thing homeowners can do is hire and surround themselves with people who have a lot of experience and listen to them."
By the time professionals have been in the business for years, they've encountered most issues and know what to look out for. The expensive carpenter who delivers flawless work is worth every penny compared to someone cheaper who makes costly mistakes.
9. Set your priorities and stick to them
"When people come to us, they usually have a wish list," Jennifer explains. "As we get into the design process, things tend to get added to the wish list." The problem? People start adding features, then are surprised when costs increase.
One of their clients coined an adage that perfectly captures this phenomenon: "While you're at it" is the most expensive phrase in the English language. Before you know it, one garage bay becomes two, and a simple kitchen refresh becomes a whole-house renovation.
To avoid this common pattern – and the sticker shock that comes with it – it is important to identify your top priorities. That way, any additional features that may crop up during the project can be more easily altered to suit one’s original budget.
10. No matter your budget, the project will cost more than you imagine
"It's not usually about affordability," Bob clarifies. "It's about whether you want to spend that money." Even wealthy clients balk at numbers, though they could likely afford to pay. That's precisely why setting a budget and priorities matters – so you don't have to raid savings or make compromises you'll regret.
Through nearly 30 years of practice, Jennifer and Bob have built enduring success through hands-on work, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to quality and communication. Their advice for homeowners: invest in experience, prioritize quality over trends, communicate through detailed drawings, and understand that good work costs money and takes time. Follow these guidelines, and your renovation stands a much better chance of being not just successful, but truly transformative.
"What brings me the most satisfaction isn’t the scale of the project, but its transformative potential."
About Huestis Tucker Architects
Founded by Jennifer Huestis and Bob Tucker, Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC is a full-service firm specializing in custom residential, commercial, and corporate architecture and interior design. With nearly 30 years of experience and over 200 completed projects across Connecticut and beyond, the firm is known for thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and strong client relationships.
Contact: 15 Research Drive, Suite 5, Woodbridge, CT 06525 | 203-248-1007 | office@huestistucker.com | huestistucker.com